Tell Me What Democracy Looks Like.....

THIS Is What Democracy Looks Like!

Yesterday my family and many of our friends and acquaintances went to Madison to participate in the rally. It was one of the most profound things that I have ever experienced. The feeling of solidarity, peaceful protest, and belief in democracy was so overwhelming I found myself close to tears on many occasions. I was honored to be able to introduce myself to and thank Assemblyman Cory Mason for what he is doing. There are some very big and very disturbing things happening here. No matter what your political philosophy I believe a couple of things....if you don't vote, don't complain. And, if you don't make the effort to stand up for change or your beliefs, people will not do it for you so be satisfied with whatever the outcome.

This conversation is too big for one post, so here are some important highlights from my perspective. Unions need updating, re-vamping. However, this world would be a much scarier place without them. Our Governor has decided that now is the time to cut them off at the knees and bull doze through legislation while his party has complete control of our state government. There are many things of concern in this bill that have nothing to do with repairing the budget. That is fine. BUT, they should be put though the process on their own merits and not under the guise of immediate monetary benefit and if we don't pass this now then there will be massive lay-offs. (Those layoffs may very well come when the budget is announced regardless of passage of this bill). Trying to gut collective bargaining is ridiculous. The unions have already agreed to increased sharing of health care costs and pension contributions. **An aside here, the Wisconsin state pension fund is a highly profitable one. It is one that has been recommended as a model for the country. It did not suffer devastating losses in the recession because it was managed very carefully. It has enough money to sustain the retiring workers for many years. And this is accomplished with ZERO tax dollars. Regardless, these are tough times and the effected union workers are more than willing to make these concessions. The Governor has made it clear that there is no compromise, period....how very un-democratic.

As the above pictured sign says, I am a non-union, private sector tax paying Wisconsinite, I am a business owner and this effects all of us. My children proudly attend the public school system. This recovery bill is only the first leg of the fight. When the budget is released the Governor has already said that there will be extreme cuts in education. Our superintendent has also gravely let us know that there are many very significant challenges ahead. These public workers, school teachers, nurses, rail workers, police and fire (though they were exempt from the governor's collective bargaining segment, they also are marching against this bill), these people, are our clients. And we need, as virtually every small business does, a vibrant middle class to survive.

I am proud to have been able to participate in such an important time in our State, and indeed going forward our Country. I'm equally proud that my children are able to learn such important lessons about democracy, freedom of speech, and standing up for what you believe in.